If betting has stopped being fun, you can lock yourself out — from TABtovch alone, or from every licensed Australian online and phone wagering operator at once through BetStop. It is free, confidential and takes only a few minutes.
1. What self-exclusion is
Self-exclusion is a voluntary, binding request to be blocked from wagering for a period you choose. Once it is in place we must refuse to open or operate an account for you, and we must not send you marketing. It is one of the most effective tools available if you want to take a real break or stop altogether.
2. BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register
BetStop is Australia's free national self-exclusion register. Registering once blocks you from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering services — not just TABtovch. You choose a period from a minimum of three months up to a lifetime.
- Website: betstop.gov.au
- Phone: 1800 238 786
3. How to register with BetStop
- Go to betstop.gov.au and choose "Register".
- Verify your identity (you will need an accepted form of Australian ID).
- Choose your exclusion length — three months, six months, twelve months, or a longer period up to lifetime.
- Confirm. Your exclusion starts immediately and applies across every licensed Australian operator.
If you would rather register by phone, call BetStop on 1800 238 786.
4. Operator-level self-exclusion (from TABtovch)
Operator-level self-exclusion is activated from inside your account, under ‘Account features’. Choose a self-exclusion period from [3 days / 7 days / 1 month / 3 months / 6 months / 1 year / 5 years]. Self-exclusion takes effect immediately upon confirmation.
You can also use the shorter "take a break" time-outs (24 hours, 7 or 30 days) from your account settings — see Responsible Gambling tools. For a complete break across all operators, we strongly recommend BetStop.
Operational details
Cooling-off on cancellation. You have 24 hours after activation to revoke a self-exclusion. After that it cannot be cancelled or shortened until your chosen period ends.
Your balance. Any remaining balance is returned to your source payment method.
Pending bets. Bets on events already run are settled as normal; bets on events not yet run are voided and refunded.
Marketing. All marketing and promotional messaging stops automatically for the duration of the exclusion.
Reactivation. When the period ends your account is not reopened automatically; you must actively opt in and complete identity re-verification.
Legal framework
This service operates under Part 7B of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth), the Interactive Gambling (National Self-Exclusion Register) Rules 2022, the National Self-Exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Act 2019, the WA Responsible Wagering Code of Practice, and measure 10 of the National Consumer Protection Framework.
5. What happens once you exclude
- We close or block access to your account for the exclusion period.
- We stop all direct marketing to you.
- Any withdrawable balance is returned to your verified account, subject to identity and source-of-funds checks — see Account Closure & Withdrawals.
- We take reasonable steps to prevent you from opening a new account during the exclusion.
6. When an exclusion ends
A self-exclusion does not lift automatically the moment it expires. With BetStop, your details stay on the register until you actively request removal after the minimum period, and a cooling-off period applies before access is restored. We honour that process and will not reopen an account while an exclusion is active.
7. Concerned about a family member
If someone close to you is experiencing gambling harm, free and confidential support is available for affected family and friends through Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.
Family-initiated exclusion. A family member or other affected person may apply to have a customer excluded; we assess each request on its facts.
Sharing. We share self-exclusion information only as required to operate the exclusion, including with the BetStop register operator and the Department of Social Services.
8. Support while you exclude
Self-exclusion works best alongside support. Free and confidential help is available 24/7:
- Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858 · gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Gambling Help WA — local WA support services
- Lifeline (crisis support) — 13 11 14
See also our Responsible Gambling page and Responsible Gambling Policy.